Latest news with #GrandVitara
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV India launch: Expected price, features, and top rivals
Maruti Suzuki Escudo: The Indian market is about to get a brand-new SUV from Maruti Suzuki called the Escudo. This new model will likely fit perfectly between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the brand's growing SUV lineup. Here is all the information you need about the Maruti Suzuki Escudo, such as when it is expected to come out, how much it will cost, what it will have, and how it will look. Filing for a trademark suggests the name Escudo Maruti Suzuki recently applied for a trademark for the name Escudo, which has led to rumours about its new SUV. The model that was seen during road testing looks like the Escudo, but this hasn't been officially confirmed yet. It will probably be available through Maruti's Arena dealership network, which makes it easier to get than Nexa-only models. Expected Design The Escudo takes a lot of design cues from the Grand Vitara, like its upright front grille, angular LED headlights, and modern bumper design with built-in LED fog lights. The SUV should also have: A bigger air intake New design for the bonnet Plate on the front of the skid LED tail lights that are connected Updated design for the tailgate and bumper It looks like the overall length is longer than the Grand Vitara, so it can fit both 5- and 7-seater layouts. Indian families looking for comfort and practicality might like the bigger cabin space. Choices of engines and how well they work Maruti Suzuki hasn't released the official specs yet, but the Escudo is expected to have the same engines as the Grand Vitara and Brezza. Powertrain options that are likely to be available are: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid technology Strong-hybrid petrol model for better mileage The power output is expected to be about 101 hp and 139 Nm of torque. You might be able to choose between a 5-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. What to Expect from the Escudo's Interior and Features The inside of the Maruti Suzuki Escudo will probably have a high-end but useful design that is similar to the Grand Vitara. Some important features might be: 9-inch touchscreen entertainment system No wires CarPlay for Apple and Android Heads-up display Partially digital instrument cluster Audio system tuned by Arkamys Sunroof that opens with electricity View from all sides of the camera Telematics for Suzuki Connect Climate control and six airbags These features point to the Escudo being a tech-savvy SUV that puts safety and fun first. When the Maruti Suzuki Escudo is likely to come out There hasn't been an official announcement from Maruti Suzuki, but reports say that the Escudo could come out in India during the upcoming holiday season. It could be shown off around Diwali 2025, which is when the brand usually releases new models when demand is highest. What the Maruti Suzuki Escudo Will Cost in India The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is likely to cost around Rs. 9 lakh at the lower end and Rs. 16 lakh at the higher end (ex-showroom). This competitive pricing puts it up against well-known C-segment SUVs like: The Hyundai Creta Seltos by Kia MG Astor Even though the Escudo is in the same segment, it might be a better deal because Maruti is a well-known brand, the engines are fuel-efficient, and the prices are reasonable. For the latest and more interesting auto news, keep reading Indiatimes Auto. Click here.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Maruti Suzuki to launch Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos rival? Date revealed, expectations
Image used for representational purposes and isn't of the Escudo. Maruti Suzuki is preparing to further expand its SUV portfolio with the launch of a new midsize model on September 3, 2025 . While the company has yet to confirm the name or official details, the upcoming SUV is likely to be called the Maruti Escudo. There are also chances that the manufacturer might finally launch the eVitara but as of now, it is not widely expected. Speaking of the Escudo, the model is being positioned as a potential rival to popular names like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Here's a look at what we can expect. Maruti Suzuki Escudo: What to expect This new SUV will be retailed exclusively through Maruti Suzuki's Arena network, unlike the Grand Vitara which is sold via the Nexa channel. In fact, the Escudo will likely share its platform, design cues, and features with the Grand Vitara, but with a few notable changes to create its own identity and possibly appeal to a wider, more price-conscious audience. As so far seen in the spy images, it appears that it still carries over key styling elements from the Grand Vitara. The Escudo is also expected to be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, offering more cabin space without significantly moving away from the compact footprint of a midsize SUV . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo The interior is likely to mirror the Grand Vitara and the upcoming e-Vitara in terms of features. Key highlights might include a nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, semi-digital instrument cluster, sunroof, and more. Tata Harrier EV Review: Brilliant but just One Flaw! | TOI Auto Under the hood, the Escudo is expected to use the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mild-hybrid engine that powers the Grand Vitara. This unit produces 103 bhp and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Maruti may skip the stronger hybrid powertrain to keep costs in check and better differentiate its Arena and Nexa product lines. With the launch just months away, the Escudo looks poised to add another strong contender to the highly competitive midsize SUV space. Full details will be revealed at its official debut on September 3. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Suzuki Grand Vitara keen to show why its the grandest of them all
The GV badge made its return to the Suzuki stable in 2023 as the brand's flagship SUV. Our Suzuki Grand Vitara is clad in bicolour Splendid Silver with black roof and side mirrors. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Our popular Suzuki Fronx compact crossover SUV departed our long-term fleet in June after a six-month stay, making way for its bigger sibling the Grand Vitara. As the Vitara part naming has been applied in various of the Japanese manufacturer's products, a quick run-down of its history is in order. Local history at least, as it is much less complicated than its global history. South Africans first encountered the nomenclature in Grand Vitara guise when Suzuki opened its local doors in 2008. This badge eventually made way for the Vitara and for a while was offered alongside the smaller Vitara Brezza. But then Maruti Suzuki in India, which manufacturers the car in collaboration with production partner Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stopped exporting the second generation which was renamed to Brezza. ALSO READ: Suzuki Grand Vitara makes grande return to Mzansi Suzuki Grand Vitara returns The export void was filled with the reintroduction of the Suzuki Grand Vitara badge, albeit it is a bigger car than the Vitara Brezza was. The Grand Vitara is 4 340mm long, where the Vitara Brezza conformed to India's tax friendly sub-four metre rule. Since the Grand Vitara's reintroduction just over two years ago, the Vitara has since been dropped from Suzuki's portfolio. This left the GV as the manufacturer's flagship SUV, with the Fronx crossover SUV coming on board as a spiritual replacement for the Vitara Brezza. The Suzuki Grand Vitara GLX rides on 17-inch machine polished alloy wheels. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Over in the Toyota stable, the Grand Vitara's production sibling has kept the Urban Cruiser moniker which was also used for its own version of the Vitara Brezza. The Starlet Cross has joined as Toyota's version of the Fronx. The Citizen Motoring's long-term Suzuki Grand Vitara in GLX automatic trim is at R453 900 the second most expensive model in the line-up after the top-of-the-range mild hybrid all-wheel drive variant which comes at a R99 000 premium. But as both these two is kitted out in GLX trim, our tester is currently the best-specced Suzuki product money can buy barring the mild electrical assistance and all-paw grip. Familiar petrol engine Up front is the familiar KB15B 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that features in so many of Suzuki's local cars and is in our opinion one of the reasons for their remarkable sales success in recent years. It produces 77kW of power and 138Nm which is sent to the front wheels via four-speed automatic transmission. The dated box isn't everyone's cup of tea comparted to the easy-shifting five-speed manual. But it's the job done just fine if you are not in a hurry. ALSO READ: PODCAST: Why Suzuki Fronx stays ahead of Toyota Starlet Cross Suzuki claims that it will sip six litres per 100km which we'll put to the test over the coming months. While our GV does not feature all-wheel drive, its ground clearance of 210mm is the same as the go-anywhere Jimny. Suzuki says the seats, suspension and electric steering have been created for a comfortable ride on rough and uneven surfaces. In GLX trim, the Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with 9-inch infotainment system. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The GV features good looks, which according to the manufacturer pays homage to the original Grand Vitara. Exterior highlights include a multi-level grille flanked by three-point LED daytime running lights and a rear three-dimensional LED light bar. GLX specific silver roof rails and 17-inch machine-polished alloys round off the picture. Loads of features Our tester is finished in bicolour which combines Splendid Silver paintwork with black roof and side mirrors. Inside, the GLX features full leatherette trim and 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus 360-degree surround view camera, wireless charging tray, head-up display, keyless start/stop, ambient lighting and panoramic sunroof. Safety comes in the form of six airbags, electronic stability control, ABS with EBA, hill-hold assist and rear parking sensors. The Suzuki Grand Vitara comes standard with six-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year/200 000 km warranty.
South Wales Argus
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
Suzuki celebrates its heritage as it looks ahead to launch of full EV
Suzuki held a special event to celebrate 55 years of four-wheel-drive motoring – and the company now has its sights firmly fixed on the next chapter in its history. The Japanese manufacturer is fiercely proud of its heritage, and took the chance to showcase the off-road capabilities of different generations of its fleet in the challenging terrain of Monster Mountain, near Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. A line-up of Suzuki vehicles at Monster Mountain (Image: Newsquest) For over a decade, Suzuki has offered every model in its range with the option of all-wheel-drive, with the technology more recently becoming known as ALLGRIP. And it will take that philosophy into the next stage of its story when it launches a full EV later this year. Like its conventionally-powered predecessors, the e Vitara will be available with AWD as Suzuki strives to combine its off-road expertise with the demands of the electric era. A few demonstrator e Vitaras are already on these shores and the order book has been open since June, with the range starting from £29,999. The main bulk of the new vehicles won't arrive in the UK until October, when the official launch is set to take place. The new Suzuki e Vitara (Image: Suzuki) With such a pivotal date approaching, Suzuki was keen to remind the motoring media of its pedigree in producing reliable and characterful 4x4s with plenty of standard kit at an affordable price. To know where you're going, you have to know where you've been. With that in mind, the company assembled a selection of vehicles from across the generations, and we were invited to put them to the test. I took the chance to try out a couple of retro versions of the Grand Vitara – a model first launched by Suzuki in 1998. Despite their advancing years, the robust vehicles made light work of the rough and rocky tracks on a spoil tip near an opencast coal mine. The Grand Vitara heralded a switch to rack-and-pinion steering, providing handling with a more direct feel – something I appreciated when cornering swiftly during faster sections of the track. After more than quarter of a century, the vehicle still provided excellent ride quality and stability on challenging surfaces. There was a chance to drive Grand Vitaras and other vehicles from Suzuki's heritage (Image: Newsquest) And so to the big question? Can Suzuki transfer the pillars of its past success into the future, specifically with its first foray into all-electric motoring? The company is certainly making all the right noises about the e Vitara, stating that it will be an 'authentic SUV using all of that 55 years of 4x4 heritage. The e Vitara will be one of only three all-electric compact SUVs offering optional four-wheel-drive, continuing Suzuki's tradition of trying to offer something a bit different from the ordinary. In essence, it will be designed to be a simple and well-equipped car that's easy to drive and pleasant to live with, but with that added sure-footed reassurance of AWD. According to official figures, the most efficient version of the e Vitara will be able to do 264 miles between charges, although that reduces to 246 miles for the dual motor 4WD version. India is a huge market for Suzuki and, as such, the company is focusing more of its research and development in the south Asian country. The new e Vitara will be built exclusively in India and, interestingly, it will be the first Suzuki vehicle exported from India that's not on domestic sale over there. Having never offered a full EV before, Suzuki has set about winning the battle for hearts and minds among its loyal customers. A big part of that will involve getting its dealerships up and down the country enthused about the vehicle they'll be selling. To that end, some of the early arrivals in the UK are currently being taken around the showrooms to provide a tantalising taste of the future.
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Business Standard
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
PVs experience bumpy H1 ride; wholesales decline 6.4% in June to 320K units
Domestic passenger vehicle (PV) dispatches in the first six months of calendar year 2025 were in the slow lane, with major players like Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), Tata Motors, and Hyundai Motor India reporting a decline in volumes. Companies like Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Škoda Auto India, however, bucked the trend, riding on the buzz created by new launches. In June, overall industry volumes dipped. According to industry estimates, wholesales fell 6.4 per cent to 320,000 units. Retail registrations also declined by 4.4 per cent to 294,000 units during the month, industry insiders said. MSIL, the country's largest PV player, posted a 2.2 per cent decline in dispatches for first half (H1) 2025 to 880,730 units. In June, dispatches dropped sharply by 13.3 per cent to 118,906 units. MSIL's utility vehicle (UV) sales also fell in June — from 52,373 units to 47,947 units. The company said the slowdown in the small car segment was the key reason behind the industry's muted demand trend. Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer, corporate affairs, MSIL, said that since 2019, the entry-level price point in the industry has risen by over 70 per cent, largely due to stricter regulations, and sales of smaller cars have fallen by over 70 per cent. 'Historically, PV sales used to grow at 1.5x gross domestic product (GDP) growth. But now, even after 6.5 per cent GDP growth, the car market is nearly flat. This is because the once-mass small car segment is not participating in the growth at all. This is clearly an affordability issue,' he said. Maruti's small car segment saw a 5.3 per cent decline in sales, reaching 455,009 units in H1 compared to 480,488 units in the same period last year. What's concerning as a trend is that the UV segment (comprising models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, Fronx, etc.) has also seen a decline in volumes. Tata Motors saw a sharp 15 per cent dip in dispatches in June to 37,083 units (including electric vehicles/EVs). For the first six months of the year, the company posted a 7.89 per cent fall in dispatches to 269,966 units. Commenting on the trend, Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said that in May and June there were extreme 'volume pressures'. 'In the first quarter of 2025-26, the PV industry experienced volume pressures, particularly in May and June, with flat growth reflecting continued softness in demand. However, the EV segment emerged as a bright spot, driven by robust growth and the launch of new EV models across original equipment manufacturers.' Hyundai Motor India posted a 7.7 per cent drop in dispatches in H1 2025 to 285,809 units. For June, the company recorded a sharp 12 per cent fall in dispatches to 44,024 units. Tarun Garg, whole-time director and chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, 'In the domestic market, the geopolitical situation continued to affect market sentiment, with domestic sales registering 44,024 units in June 2025. As we come closer to the beginning of production at the Talegaon plant, we remain cautiously optimistic about a gradual recovery in demand, supported by a reduction in repo rates and improving liquidity on account of a cut in cash reserve ratio. We are closely watching the global geopolitical scenario and are committed to delivering value and innovation to our customers across both domestic and export markets.' EVs, however, seem to have held up better. M&M, which began dispatching its EVs to dealers around March, saw a 20 per cent rise in dispatches in H1 to 301,194 units. In June, the company posted 18 per cent growth in sales to 47,306 units. Bucking the trend, M&M posted a 20 per cent increase in domestic sales, with the company selling 301,194 units in H1. In June, domestic sales grew by 18 per cent, reaching 47,306 units compared to 40,022 units last year. Nalinikanth Gollagunta, chief executive officer, automotive division, M&M, said, 'In June, we achieved sport utility vehicle (SUV) sales of 47,306 units, a growth of 18 per cent, and total vehicle sales of 78,969 units, a 14 per cent growth compared to the same month last year. The quarter ended on a very positive note for us, marking the highest quarter ever for SUVs.' Škoda Auto India, which is seeing strong demand for its new compact SUV Kylaq, had its best-ever H1 in its 25-year history in India. Selling 36,194 units between January and June 2025, the company posted a 134 per cent year-on-year rise in dispatches. Škoda's previous best H1 in India was 28,899 units in 2022. Ashish Gupta, brand director, Škoda Auto India, said that with the addition of Kylaq to their portfolio, they now have an 'SUV for everyone'. Analysts noted that while overall volumes remain flat, value growth is happening. 'While the number of PV sales remains largely flat, overall value growth continues, driven by consumers opting for higher-end models. Over the next two to three quarters, we expect volumes to stay steady, with a slightly more optimistic outlook for rural demand compared to urban areas, supported by better-than-expected monsoon conditions,' said Anurag Singh, advisor, Primus Partners. In two-wheelers, while overall industry data isn't yet available, major players like Bajaj Auto posted a 16 per cent decline in June dispatches, and H1 2025 was also down 9 per cent for the Pune-based company. On the other hand, premium bike maker Royal Enfield posted a 16 per cent increase in domestic dispatches to 76,957 units compared to 66,117 units last year. For H1, the company posted a 12 per cent increase, selling 228,779 units as against 204,686 last year.
